Brad Pitt's name first tickled the tongues of cinephiles in 1991 after appearing in 'Thelma & Louise,' and he quickly became the talk of the town in the years following, as he likely will be for many years to come. You know him well from films like 'Se7en' and 'Fight Club,' but what about the lost roles of Pitt's career? We're talking about the might-haves and would-bes, the roles he had the privilege to pass on that now either comprise his biggest regrets or smartest career moves. As it turns out, Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, and Keanu Reeves’ most famous roles could have been played by him.

Check out this gallery, based on a list by Not Starring, of all the roles that Pitt could've played, and get to know the mechanics behind his career trajectory.

'About a Boy' - Pitt turned down the lead role of Will, which went on to cement Hugh Grant in the hearts of audiences everywhere. Apparently Pitt thought it was too implausible that such an attractive man would need to pick up women by pretending to be a single father.

'The Matrix' - Music composer Don Davis reportedly revealed in an interview that the studio originally wanted Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer for the lead role. Could you ever see Neo as anyone other than Keanu Reeves?

'American Psycho' - Pitt was offered the lead role but turned it down, after Johnny Depp had already passed as well. It wasn't until after Edward Norton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ewan McGregor were all offered the role and subsequently turned it down that Christian Bale picked it up. And now his performance is legendary.

'Bride & Prejudice' - Due to scheduling conflicts, Pitt had to turn down the role of William Darcy, giving Martin Henderson the opportunity of working alongside Aishwarya Rai, one of India's most famous actresses.

'The Shawshank Redemption' - In one of Stephen King's greatest adapted tales, Pitt was intended for the role of Tommy Williams, but somehow he fumbled the incredible opportunity and the role went to Gil Bellows.

'The Bourne Identity' - This one probably hurts. To make it worse, the writer originally had Pitt in mind for the part, but due to scheduling conflicts with his other movie 'Spy Game,' he dropped out, leaving ample room for Matt Damon to swoop in and take over an entire franchise.

'Backdraft' - Pitt was reportedly considered for the lead role, along with Keanu Reeves and Robert Downey Jr., but the role went to William Baldwin because of how much he looked like Kurt Russell, who was playing the character's brother.

'True Romance' - In the DVD commentary, Pitt reportedly states that he was originally offered a "much bigger part," but decided to take the role of the stoner Floyd instead. Christian Slater, once again, stepped in for Pitt.

'The Departed' - Pitt, producing the film, was originally cast as Sullivan and determined to star alongside Tom Cruise, but he dropped out. Though he continued to produce the film, his role went to Matt Damon and his costarring role went to Leonardo DiCaprio.

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' - Pitt—along with Michael Keaton, Will Smith, and Jim Carrey—was turned down for the role of Willy Wonka, but Tim Burton probably had Depp in mind the whole time anyway.

'The Devil's Advocate' - When Joel Schumacher was signed on to direct, Pitt was originally set to play Kevin. But, when Taylor Hackford replaced Schumacher, Pitt was out and Keanu Reeves was in, and now Reeves' name is inextricable from the sleazy defense attorney.

'A Simple Plan' - Pitt was reportedly offered the lead role, but ultimately passed because he was tired of depressing stories after shooting 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'Legends of the Fall.' The role went to Bill Paxton.

'State of Play' - The actor purportedly withdrew from the mystery film because he wasn't happy with the screenplay. Russell Crowe stepped in and ended up getting the Australian Film Institute International Award for Best Actor.

'A Time to Kill' - Pitt was reportedly considered for the lead role in this crime drama, featuring stars like Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and both Donald and Kiefer Sutherland, but the role went to Matthew McConaughey.

The lost roles: All the films Brad Pitt almost starred in

The actor turns 55 this year

Brad Pitt's name first tickled the tongues of cinephiles in 1991 after appearing in 'Thelma & Louise,' and he quickly became the talk of the town in the years following, as he likely will be for many years to come. You know him well from films like 'Se7en' and 'Fight Club,' but what about the lost roles of Pitt's career? We're talking about the might-haves and would-bes, the roles he had the privilege to pass on that now either comprise his biggest regrets or smartest career moves. As it turns out, Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, and Keanu Reeves’ most famous roles could have been played by him.

Check out this gallery, based on a list by Not Starring, of all the roles that Pitt could've played, and get to know the mechanics behind his career trajectory.